Socio-Economics & History Commentary

Breakthrough for DNA-Editing: US Team Discovers ‘Holy Grail’ to Fix Genes to Cure Incurable Diseases, Blindness – And Even Extend Human Lifespan

Salk Institute scientists have used new technique to cure rats’ blindness. It is the first time anyone has edited DNA in eyes, heart, brain or liver.

Breakthrough for DNA-Editing: US Team Discovers ‘Holy Grail’ to Fix Genes to Cure Incurable Diseases, Blindness – And Even Extend Human Lifespan by MIA DE GRAAF FOR DAILYMAIL.COM* Salk Institute scientists have used new technique to cure rats’ blindness* It is the first time anyone has edited DNA in eyes, heart, brain or liver* These organs’ cells rarely divide, making them very difficult to penetrate* So far the most advanced method is called CRISPR, which can edit skin and gut genes – it was tested yesterday by Chinese scientists* But Salk’s study has been hailed as biggest leap in DNA research to date
–Scientists have discovered how to edit DNA to repair ‘broken genes’ to cure incurable diseases – and potentially extend human lifespan. Until now, it has not been possible to alter genes in the brain, heart, liver and eyes – the root of many debilitating illnesses. Since the cells in these vital organs tend not to divide, it is difficult to gain access to make changes.–However, researchers at the Salk Institute claim to have landed on ‘the holy grail of gene editing’, which can delicately and smoothly cut through DNA.–read more.